Don’t Let a Flea Treatment Kill Your Cat!

Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Holly Anne Dustin

Permethrin Poisoning in Cats

Wait. What? An ingredient commonly found in flea and tick control products can be fatal to my cat? In a word, yes. The ingredient is permethrin and it’s derivatives: pyrethrin, and pyrethroid products. You might also see the active ingredients listed as allethrin, etofenprox, resmethrin and sumithrin. The other type of flea product that can cause toxicity contains organophosphates.

These ingredients are more common in the cheaper, over-the-counter, versions of flea and tick sprays, shampoos, dips, collars, and spot-on treatments. It is also the main ingredient in home and garden insecticides like Raid. 

Permethrin and pyrethroids are very effective at controlling pests that drive us and our kitties crazy. But it is critical that we read the labels closely and pay attention to the directions. Pyrethrins are safe to use around dogs. Canine products can contain 45-60% permethrin. Products that are safe for use with felines contain less than 1%. Big difference! 

Permethrin poisoning in cats most commonly happens by using a flea product meant for dogs on cats. Sadly, statistics show that 10-40% of cats with permethrin poisoning don’t survive even if they do get help from their vet. The risk is higher with kittens and elderly or infirm cats.

 Why are Cats at Risk?

Permethrin products kill the insects by damaging their central nervous system. It’s not species specific though. If we use these products around our pets it also affects their nervous system, and ours, if used incorrectly. Dogs and humans can metabolize these products fast enough that they don’t cause damage. Cats, not so much.

Cats are very sensitive to pyrethrins and pyrethroids because they’re unable to break down the products efficiently and effectively. The short answer to why is because their livers lack certain enzymes. Chemicals, medications, essential oils, garlic and more can build up in a cat’s body and cause serious illness. 

This is one reason we need to beware not just of the permethrin and pyrethroid products but the “all natural” products on the market and alternative home remedies. Many of the natural products are advertised for both dogs and cats. But they may not really be safe for cats. Do your research before using any product with your furbabies, especially if it is labeled for dogs.

How are Cats Poisoned by Permethrin?

Unfortunately, the most common way is due to owner error. Some cat owners mistakenly or purposely apply a dog flea and tick product to their cats. Double and triple-check what you are applying to, or using around, your cat at all times! Never apply a “small dog” flea and tick medication to a cat. 

Other Scenarios in Which Cats Can be Exposed to Permethrin:

• They have a dog buddy that’s recently been treated with a flea and tick preventative designed for canines. If your cat and dog are close friends that cuddle or groom each other, your dog is a risk factor for your cat. Your best bet is to separate your dog from your cat until the flea-tick product is completely dry. 
• They go outside and come in contact with a yard or garden spray that hasn’t completely dried.
• They encounter indoor insecticides like ant and roach baits, fly sprays, or similar products.
• Their owners use a permethrin-based flea product for cats but get the dose all wrong.

Prevention of Permethrin Poisoning in Cats

• Be very careful with topical flea and tick preventatives you’re applying to your cat! Only use cat products on cats.
• To prevent accidental exposure, read the directions for any product carefully before use.
• Keep your cat separate from any dogs that have been treated for 12-24 hours. This allows the product to dry thoroughly. If you can’t separate them, put a t-shirt on your dog. Remove and wash any bedding the dog sleeps on while the product is wet.
• Do not use part of a larger size flea and tick preventative, as this may result in poisoning. Use the appropriate weight range for your cat. 
• Keep your cat away from any areas (indoors and out) that have been treated with a pyrethrin or pyrethroid product until it has completely dried.
• Before spraying any foliage, flowers, fruits, or vegetables in your yard with permethrin, bring cats inside and close the windows. Let your neighbors know when and where you’ll be spraying the permethrin so they can keep their cats indoors. 
• Choose products with lower concentrations of permethrin/pyrethrin.
• If you treat your hiking gear with permethrin to prevent picking up ticks with lyme disease, don’t spray it around your cats. Once it is thoroughly dry and bonded to the clothing it should be okay. Don’t leave your gear around Kitty. You don’t want her to choose it as her favorite sleeping spot.
• Keep all your pets separated from each other until any preventative product used has completely dried. You don’t want your kitties grooming each other and ingesting the medication.

Signs of Permethrin Poisoning in Cats

If Kitty has been exposed to a pyrethrin-based product and exhibits any of these symptoms she needs an immediate trip to the vet. 

• Excessive salivation/drooling
• Agitation or restlessness
• Vomiting
• Hiding
• Lack of coordination or difficulty jumping, standing or walking
• Shaking
• Twitching
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Hypothermia or hyperthermia

For more about poisoning and cats, read here.

How do you Treat of Permethrin Poisoning in Cats?

There is no antidote for pyrethrin or pyrethroid toxicity.  There is no home remedy for the poisoning. Kitty needs the vet. 

The single most helpful step is to decontaminate Kitty. This you can do at home. Bathe Kitty immediately if you realize you’ve used an unsafe product or if she starts to exhibit symptoms. Use liquid dish soap and lukewarm water. Hot water will increase the absorption rate. Cold water can give Kitty hypothermia and make it harder for her to recover.

Once you have bathed her, take Kitty to the vet. Take her to the emergency vet if your vet can’t see her right away.

Kitty will probably stay at the vet for 2-3 days so she can be monitored and treated. She will receive fluids and her temperature and blood work will be monitored. She might need muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medication, or nutritional support depending on what symptoms she develops.

Related Post: Cat Safety Tips

Summary:

Rule number one is never apply a dog flea product to a cat!

Buy your flea products at a veterinary office or reputable pet store where people can advise you about what products are cat-safe. 

Don’t try to save money by splitting a larger size product among your cats. Get the proper dose for each cat.

Read the labels thoroughly before you use anything in your house or yard and keep Kitty away from the area until the product is dry.

Take care in applying any product to your cat. Cats are much more sensitive to pesticides, medications, and natural remedies. They groom themselves thoroughly so have a higher risk of ingesting something on their fur. 

Quick treatment at the vet will improve Kitty’s prospects if she develops symptoms of permethrin poisoning.